Monday, August 27, 2007

Coast Guard ready for mass migration after Castro's death

LEE COUNTY: Rumors of Fidel Castro's death have been flying around for several days. If and when the Cuban dictator dies it could have an impact in Southwest Florida because refugees are expected to make a mad dash for U.S. shores.

The Coast Guard says it has been preparing for Castro's death and its possible consequences for three years.

Authorities don't expect another Mariel Boat Lift, where thousands of Cubans tried to make their way to the U.S. in 1980, but did say the agency will be ready for increased activity in the Florida Straits.

The Department of Homeland Security has developed a mass migration plan called Vigilant Sentry. It will include resources from all levels within the Department of Homeland Security to stop any illegal immigration.

The Coast Guard isn't sure how many people may try to make the trip from Cuba the U.S., but already this year the agency has caught more than 2,000 immigrants at sea.

Over the past three years the number is over 7,000, which is the largest in the past 25 years.

While the Coast Guard says it's ready, nothing will be done until it is confirmed that Castro is dead.